Larsen Post 2: "Save the Shoes."

http://www.ted.com/talks/mark_bezos_a_life_lesson_from_a_volunteer_firefighter

In this TEDTalk given by volunteer fireman Mark Bezos, he speaks about the ability for all individuals to contribute to the wellbeing of others, without needing to have attained a certain level of success. I believe that this TEDTalk reflects Larsen’s cultural myth about The Possibility of Success, in that we find hard work and virtuousness to be valuable traits worthy of our consideration. Mark Bezos’ story about how he was sent to “save the shoes,” when a lady’s house caught on fire, and how that deed was referenced later by the lady in an appreciative letter she wrote to the department, is moving proof of how our smallest of deeds can have a great impact on someone. This value of “service equals success,” is something that Americans value, and has persuasive social implications when used in the right context.

I observe that this TEDTalk is trying to evoke the emotional gratification that comes with Happiness and Pride. When we do service for others, we sometimes feel a sense of pride about the task we did, and happiness in regards to the nature of our existence… and this emotional validation is what Mark Bezos is trying to convey to the listener as important. If we want to feel happiness and self-worth, we must take every opportunity to “save the shoes.”